The Reaction Was Excellent

Whenever The New Saints has lost a game, the reply is invariably immediate, and the following game often registers an impressive performance and victory. That was the case yesterday, as the Haverfordwest County memories were well and truly put to bed.

Five goals, four different names on the scoresheet, five individuals credited with assists and a clean sheet ensured that the statistics from the game looked very positive indeed.

 

Simon Spender

The legendary right-back reached a personal milestone, as he clocked up his 250th league appearance. He marked the achievement with another good performance, and was involved in the opening goal for The New Saints, as his low ball in from the right found Dean Ebbe in the fifth minute.

Although there were numerous players that we could have interviewed post-match, it was Simon that we went for. He has been a tremendous servant for the club over the years and continues to walk that path, not only on the pitch with the senior side, but also working with the Academy.

 

Adrian Cieslewicz

Another appearance milestone was achieved by the dynamic winger, who hit 150. Looking to get on the scoresheet himself in the 26th minute, his shot was saved by Michael Jones in the Druids’ goal. Unable to hold the ball, however, it dropped kindly to Jon Routledge, who calmly tucked it away.

Four minutes into the second period though, following a handball in the area, Ciss did get his name on the sheet, as he confidently converted the spot kick to extend the lead to 4-0.

 

Dean Ebbe

With Chris Seargeant making a number of changes from the Haverfordwest County game, one of them was the inclusion of the Irishman in the starting line-up. He rewarded the faith that was placed in him, as he found the net in the 5th and 29th minutes. The second was a well-executed goal, as he chipped the ball over the ‘keeper and into the net.

As we approached the two-thirds stage of the game, Ebbe had the opportunity to make it a hat-trick, as a foul in the box saw him collect the ball and place it on the spot. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be as Jones saved the kick, and replaced by Louis Robles six minutes later, he was made to settle for just the brace.

 

Jake Canavan

Having recently signed a professional contract with The New Saints, the young midfielder has impressed with his performances in friendly games.

With the side already coasting 5-0, Chris Seargeant handed the ex-Manchester City and ex-Burnley teenager his debut, as he came off the bench to replace Jon Routledge in the 86th minute.

 

Lead image features Adrian Cieslewicz in action. Courtesy of Brian Jones.